Axiago

Esomeprazole.

Each tablet contains 20 mg esomeprazole (as magnesium trihydrate).
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Glycerol monostearate 40-55, hyprolose, hypromellose, iron oxide (reddish-brown, yellow) (E 172), magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1) dispersion 30 percent, microcrystalline cellulose, synthetic paraffin, macrogols, polysorbate 80, crospovidone, sodium stearyl fumarate, sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), talc, titanium dioxide (E 171), triethyl citrate.

ATC Code: A02B C05.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Esomeprazole, is the S-isomer of omeprazole and reduces gastric acid secretion through a specific targeted mechanism of action. It is a specific inhibitor of the acid pump in the parietal cell. Both the R- and S-isomer of omeprazole have similar pharmacodynamic activity.
Site and mechanism of action: Esomeprazole is a weak base and is concentrated and converted to the active form in the highly acidic environment of the secretory canaliculi of the parietal cell, where it inhibits the enzyme H⁺K⁺-ATPase - the acid pump and inhibits both basal and stimulated acid secretion.
Effect on gastric acid secretion: After oral dosing with esomeprazole 20 mg and 40 mg the onset of effect occurs within one hour. After repeated administration with 20 mg esomeprazole once daily for five days, mean peak acid output after pentagastrin stimulation is decreased 90% when measured 6-7 hours after dosing on day five.
After five days of oral dosing with 20 mg and 40 mg esomeprazole, intragastric pH above 4 was maintained for a mean time of 13 hours and 17 hours, respectively over 24 hours in symptomatic GERD patients. The proportion of patients maintaining an intragastric pH above 4 for at least 8, 12 and 16 hours respectively were for esomeprazole 20 mg 76%, 54% and 24%. Corresponding proportions for esomeprazole 40 mg were 97%, 92% and 56%.
Using AUC as a surrogate parameter for plasma concentration, a relationship between inhibition of acid secretion and exposure has been shown.
Therapeutic effects of acid inhibition: Healing of reflux esophagitis with esomeprazole 40 mg occurs in approximately 78% of patients after four weeks, and in 93% after eight weeks.
One week treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. and appropriate antibiotics, results in successful eradication of H. pylori in approximately 90% of patients.
After eradication treatment there is no need for subsequent monotherapy with antisecretory drugs for effective ulcer healing and symptom resolution in uncomplicated duodenal ulcers.
In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 764 patients who presented with endoscopically confirmed peptic ulcer bleeding were randomized to receive 'esomeprazole' solution for infusion (n=375) or placebo (n=389). Following endoscopic hemostasis, patients received either 80 mg esomeprazole as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes followed by a continuous infusion of 8 mg per hour or placebo for 72 hours. After the initial 72 hour period, all patients received 40 mg oral 'esomeprazole' for 27 days for acid suppression. The occurrence of rebleeding within 3 days was 5.9% in the 'esomeprazole' IV treated group compared to 10.3% for the placebo group (p=0.0256). At 7 and 30 days post-treatment, the occurrence of rebleeding in the 'esomeprazole' treated versus the placebo treated group was 7.2% vs 12.9% (p=0.0096) and 7.7% vs 13.6%, respectively (p=0.0092).
Other effects related to acid inhibition: During treatment with antisecretory drugs serum gastrin increases in response to the decreased acid secretion. Also chromogranin A (CgA) increases due to decreased gastric acidity. The increased CgA level may interfere with investigations for neuroendocrine tumors. Literature reports indicate that proton pump inhibitor treatment should be stopped 5 to 14 days before CgA measurements. Measurements should be reported if levels have not normalised by this time.
An increased number of ECL cells possibly related to the increased serum gastrin levels, have been observed in both children and adults during long term treatment with esomeprazole. The findings are considered to be of no clinical significance.
During long-term treatment with antisecretory drugs gastric glandular cysts have been reported to occur at a somewhat increased frequency. These changes are physiological consequence of pronounced inhibition of acid secretion, are benign and appear to be reversible.
Decreased gastric acidity due to any means including proton pump inhibitors, increases gastric counts of bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors may lead to slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, in hospitalized patients and possibly also Clostridium difficile.
Comparative Clinical Trials: In a five-way crossover study, the 24 hour intragastric pH profile of oral esomeprazole 40 mg, lansoprazole 30 mg, omeprazole 20 mg, pantoprazole 40 mg and rabeprazole 20 mg once daily was evaluated in 24 symptomatic GERD patients. On day 5, intragastric pH was maintained above 4.0 for a mean of 15.3 hours with esomeprazole, 13.3 hours with rabeprazole, 12.9 hours with omeprazole, 12.7 hours with lansoprazole and 11.2 hours with pantoprazole (p≤0.001 for differences between esomeprazole and all other comparators). Esomeprazole also provided a significantly higher percentage of patients with an intragastric pH greater than 4.0 for more than 12 hours relative to the other proton pump inhibitors (p <0.05).
Patients requiring continued NSAIDs therapy: Treatment of NSAID associated upper gastrointestinal symptoms: AXIAGO was significantly better than placebo in treatment of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients using either non-selective or COX-2-selective NSAIDs.
Healing of gastric ulcers associated with NSAID therapy: 'esomeprazole' was significantly better than ranitidine in healing of gastric ulcers in patients using NSAIDs, including COX-2 selective NSAIDs.
Prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers associated with NSAID therapy in patients at risk: 'esomeprazole' was significantly better than placebo in the prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers associated with NSAID therapy in patients using NSAIDs, including COX-2 selective NSAIDs.
Pharmacokinetics: Absorption and distribution: Esomeprazole is acid labile and is administered orally as enteric-coated granules. In vivo conversion to the R-isomer is negligible. Absorption of esomeprazole is rapid, with peak plasma levels occurring approximately 1-2 hours after dose. The absolute bioavailability is 64% after a single dose of 40 mg and increases to 89% after repeated once-daily administration. For 20 mg esomeprazole the corresponding values are 50% and 68%, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution at steady state in healthy subjects is approximately 0.22 L/kg body weight. Esomeprazole is 97% plasma protein bound.
Food intake both delays and decreases the absorption of esomeprazole. However this has no significant influence on the effect of esomeprazole on intragastric acidity.
Metabolism and excretion: Esomeprazole is completely metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system (CYP). The major part of the metabolism of esomeprazole is dependent on the polymorphic CYP2C19, responsible for the formation of the hydroxy and desmethyl metabolites of esomeprazole. The remaining part is dependent on another specific isoform, CYP3A4, responsible for the formation of esomeprazole sulphone, the main metabolite in plasma.
The parameters as follows reflect mainly the pharmacokinetics in individuals with a functional CYP2C19 enzyme, extensive metabolisers.
Total plasma clearance is about 17 L/h after a single dose and about 9 L/h after repeated administration. The plasma elimination half-life is about 1.3 hours after repeated once-daily dosing. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve increases with repeated administration of esomeprazole. This increase is dose-dependent and results in a non-linear dose-AUC relationship after repeated administration. This time- and dose-dependency is due to a decrease of first pass metabolism and systemic clearance probably caused by an inhibition of the CYP2C19 enzyme by esomeprazole and/or its sulphone metabolite. Esomeprazole is completely eliminated from plasma between doses with no tendency for accumulation during once-daily administration.
The major metabolites of esomeprazole have no effect on gastric acid secretion. Almost 80% of an oral dose of esomeprazole is excreted as metabolites in the urine, the remainder in the faeces. Less than 1% of the parent drug is found in urine.
Special patient populations: Approximately 2.9±1.5% of the population lack a functional CYP2C19 enzyme and are called poor metabolisers. In these individuals the metabolism of esomeprazole is probably mainly catalysed by CYP3A4. After repeated once-daily administration of 40 mg esomeprazole, the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve was approximately 100% higher in poor metabolisers than in subjects having a functional CYP2C19 enzyme (extensive metabolisers). Mean peak plasma concentrations were increased by about 60%.
These findings have no implications for the posology of esomeprazole.
The metabolism of esomeprazole is not significantly changed in elderly subjects (71-80 years of age).
Following a single dose of 40 mg esomeprazole the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve is approximately 30% higher in females than in males. No gender difference is seen after repeated once-daily administration. These findings have no implications for the posology of esomeprazole.
The metabolism of esomeprazole in patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction may be impaired. The metabolic rate is decreased in patients with severe liver dysfunction resulting in a doubling of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of esomeprazole. Therefore, a maximum of 20 mg should not be exceeded in patients with severe dysfunction. Esomeprazole or its major metabolites do not show any tendency to accumulate with once-daily dosing.
No studies have been performed in patients with decreased renal function. Since the kidney is responsible for the excretion of the metabolites of esomeprazole but not for the elimination of the parent compound, the metabolism of esomeprazole is not expected to be changed in patients with impaired renal function.
Following repeated dose administration of 20 mg and 40 mg esomeprazole, the total exposure (AUC) and the time to reach maximum plasma drug concentration (t_max) in 12 to 18 year-olds was similar to that in adults for both esomeprazole doses.

"AXIAGO" tablets are indicated for: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis; long-term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse; symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Patients requiring continued NSAID therapy: treatment of upper gastrointestinal symptoms associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy; healing of gastric ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy, including COX-2 selective NSAIDs; prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy, including COX-2 selective NSAIDs, in patients at risk.
In combination with an appropriate antibacterial therapeutic regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and: healing of Helicobacter pylori associated duodenal ulcer; prevention of relapse of peptic ulcers in patients with Helicobacter pylori associated ulcers.
Pathological hypersecretory conditions including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and idiopathic hypersecretion.
Maintenance of haemostasis and prevention of rebleeding of gastric or duodenal ulcers following treatment with NEXIUM for solution for infusion.

The tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid. The tablets should not be chewed or crushed.
For patients who have difficulty in swallowing, the tablets can also be dispersed in half a glass of non-carbonated water. No other liquids should be used as the enteric coating may be dissolved. Stir until the tablets disintegrate and drink the liquid with the pellets immediately or within 30 minutes. Rinse the glass with half a glass of water and drink. The pellets must not be chewed or crushed.
For patients who cannot swallow, the tablets can be dispersed in non-carbonated water and administered through a gastric tube. It is important that the appropriateness of the selected syringe and tube is carefully tested. For preparation and handling instructions see Instructions for use and handling under Cautions for Usage.
Adults and adolescents from the age of 12 years: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis: 40 mg once daily for 4 weeks. An additional 4 weeks treatment is recommended for patients in whom esophagitis has not healed or who have persistent symptoms.
Long-term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse: 20 mg once daily.
Symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): 20 mg once daily in patients without esophagitis. If symptom control has not been achieved after four weeks, the patient should be further investigated. Once symptoms have resolved, subsequent symptom control can be achieved using an on demand regimen taking 20 mg once daily, when needed. In NSAID treated risk patients subsequent symptom control using on demand treatment is not recommended.
Adults: Patients requiring continued NSAID therapy: treatment of upper gastrointestinal symptoms associated with NSAID therapy: 20 mg once daily in patients requiring NSAID therapy. If symptom control has not been achieved after 4 weeks, the patient should be further investigated.
Healing of gastric ulcers associated with NSAID therapy: 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
Prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers associated with NSAID therapy in patients at risk: 20 mg or 40 mg once daily.
In combination with an appropriate antibacterial therapeutic regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and healing of Helicobacter pylori associated duodenal ulcer and prevention of relapse of peptic ulcers in patients with Helicobacter pylori associated ulcers: 20 mg 'AXIAGO' with 1 g amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin, all twice daily for 7 days. For the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and healing of Helicobacter pylori associated duodenal ulcers, also for prevention of relapse of peptic ulcers for Helicobacter pylori sensitive to combined antibacterial therapeutic regimen.
Pathological hypersecretory conditions including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and idiopathic hypersecretion: The recommended initial dosage is 'AXIAGO' 40 mg twice daily. The dosage should then be individually adjusted and treatment continued as long as clinically indicated. Based on the clinical data available, the majority of patients can be controlled on doses between 80 to 160 mg esomeprazole daily. With doses above 80 mg daily, the dose should be divided and given twice daily.
Maintenance of haemostasis and prevention of rebleeding of gastric or duodenal ulcers following treatment with 'esomeprazole' for infusion: 40 mg once daily for 4 weeks. The oral treatment period should be preceded by acid-suppression therapy with 'esomeprazole' for infusion 80 mg administered as a bolus infusion over 30 minutes followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 8 mg/h given over 3 days (72 h), see prescribing information for 'esomeprazole' powder for solution for injection and infusion.
Children below the age of 12 years: 'AXIAGO' should not be used in children younger than 12 years since no data is available.
Impaired renal function: Dose adjustment is not required in patients with impaired renal function. Due to limited experience in patients with severe renal insufficiency, such patients should be treated with caution (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Impaired hepatic function: Dose adjustment is not required in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. For patients with severe liver impairment, a maximum dose of 20 mg 'AXIAGO' should not be exceeded (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Elderly: Dose adjustment is not required in the elderly.

There is very limited experience to date with deliberate overdose. The symptoms described in connection with 280 mg were gastrointestinal symptoms and weakness. Single doses of 80 mg esomeprazole were uneventful. No specific antidote is known. Esomeprazole is extensively plasma protein bound and is therefore not readily dialyzable. As in any case of overdose, treatment should be symptomatic and general supportive measures should be utilised.

Known hypersensitivity to esomeprazole, substituted benzimidazoles or any other constituents of the formulation.

In the presence of any alarm symptom (e.g. significant unintentional weight loss, recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, haematemesis or melaena) and when gastric ulcer is suspected or present, malignancy should be excluded, as treatment with 'AXIAGO' may alleviate symptoms and delay diagnosis.
Patients on long-term treatment (particularly those treated for more than a year) should be kept under regular surveillance.
Patients on on-demand treatment should be instructed to contact their physician if their symptoms change in character. When prescribing esomeprazole for on demand therapy, the implications for interactions with other pharmaceuticals, due to fluctuating plasma concentrations of esomeprazole should be considered (see Interactions).
When prescribing esomeprazole for eradication of Helicobacter pylori possible drug interactions for all components in the triple therapy should be considered.
Clarithromycin is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 and hence contraindications and interactions for clarithromycin should be considered when the triple therapy is used in patients concurrently taking other drugs metabolised via CYP3A4 such as cisapride.
This medicinal product contains sucrose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.
Treatment with proton pump inhibitors may lead to slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Concomitant administration with esomeprazole and drugs such as atazanavir and nelfinavir is not recommended (see Interactions).
Results from studies in healthy subjects have shown a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic interaction between clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose/75 mg daily maintenance dose) and esomeprazole (40 mg p.o. daily) resulting in decreased exposure to the active metabolite of clopidogrel by an average of 40%, and resulting in decreased maximum inhibition of (ADP induced) platelet aggregation by an average of 14%. Based on these data, concomitant use of esomeprazole and clopidogrel should be avoided. (See also Interactions.)
Some published observational studies suggest that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy may be associated with a small increased risk for osteoporosis related fractures. However, in other similar observational studies no such increased risk was found.
In AstraZeneca's randomized, double-blind and controlled clinical studies on omeprazole and esomeprazole (including two open long-term studies of up to more than 12 years) there are no indications that PPIs are associated with osteoporotic fractures.
Although a causal relationship between omeprazole/esomeprazole and osteoporotic fractures has not been established, patients at risk for developing osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures are advised to have appropriate clinical monitoring in accordance with current clinical guidelines for these conditions.
Sodium content: This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially sodium free.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: AXIAGO is not likely to affect the ability to drive or use machines.

For 'esomeprazole' clinical data on exposed pregnancies are insufficient. Animal studies with esomeprazole do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to embryonal/fetal development. Animal studies with the racemic mixture do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, parturition or postnatal development. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women.
It is not known whether esomeprazole is excreted in human breast milk. No studies in lactating women have been performed. Therefore 'AXIAGO' should not be used during breast-feeding.

The following definitions of frequencies are used: Common ≥1/100; Uncommon ≥1/1000 and <1/100; Rare ≥1/10000 and <1/1000; Very rare <1/10000.
The following adverse drug reactions have been identified or suspected in the clinical trials programme for esomeprazole and/or from post-marketing. None was found to be dose-related.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Rare: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.
Very rare: Agranulocytosis, pancytopenia.
Immune system disorders: Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions e.g. fever, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction/shock.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Uncommon: Peripheral oedema.
Rare: Hyponatraemia.
Very Rare: Hypomagnesaemia: severe hypomagnesaemia may result in hypocalcaemia. Hypomagnesaemia may also result in hypokalaemia.
Psychiatric disorders: Uncommon: Insomnia.
Rare: Agitation, confusion, depression.
Very rare: Aggression, hallucinations.
Nervous system disorders: Common: Headache.
Uncommon: Dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence.
Rare: Taste disturbance.
Eye disorders: Rare: Blurred vision.
Ear and labyrinth disorders: Uncommon: Vertigo.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Rare: Bronchospasm.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Common: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea/vomiting.
Uncommon: Dry mouth.
Rare: Stomatitis, gastrointestinal candidiasis.
Very rare: Microscopic colitis.
Hepatobiliary disorders: Uncommon: Increased liver enzymes.
Rare: Hepatitis with or without jaundice.
Very rare: Hepatic failure, encephalopathy in patients with pre-existing liver disease.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Uncommon: Dermatitis, pruritus, rash, urticaria.
Rare: Alopecia, photosensitivity.
Very rare: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).
Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders: Rare: Arthralgia, myalgia.
Very rare: Muscular weakness.
Renal and urinary disorders: Very rare: Interstitial nephritis.
Reproductive system and breast disorders: Very rare: Gynaecomastia.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Rare: Malaise, increased sweating.

Effects of esomeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of other drugs: The gastric acid suppression during treatment with esomeprazole and other PPIs might decrease or increase the absorption of drugs with a gastric pH dependent absorption. Like with other drugs that decrease the intragastric acidity, the absorption of drug such as ketoconazole, itraconazole and erlotinib can decrease while the absorption of drugs such as digoxin can increase during treatment with esomeprazole. Concomitant treatment with omeprazole (20 mg daily) and digoxin in healthy subjects increased the bioavailability of digoxin by 10% (up to 30% in two out of ten subjects).
Esomeprazole inhibits CYP2C19, the major esomeprazole metabolising enzyme. Concomitant administration of 30 mg esomeprazole resulted in a 45% decrease in clearance of the CYP2C19 substrate diazepam. This interaction is unlikely to be of clinical relevance. Concomitant administration of 40 mg esomeprazole resulted in a 13% increase in trough plasma levels of phenytoin in epileptic patients; dose adjustment was not required in this study.
It is recommended to monitor the plasma concentrations of phenytoin when treatment with esomeprazole is introduced or withdrawn. Omeprazole (40 mg once daily) increased voriconazole (a CYP2C19 substrate) C_max and AUC_τ by 15% and 41%, respectively.
Concomitant administration of 40 mg esomeprazole to warfarin-treated patients showed that, despite a slight elevation in the trough plasma concentration of the less potent R-isomer of warfarin, the coagulation times were within the accepted range. However, from post marketed use cases of elevated INR of clinical significance have been reported during concomitant treatment with warfarin. Close monitoring is recommended when initiating and ending treatment with warfarin or other coumarin derivatives.
Results from studies in healthy subjects have shown a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic interaction between clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose/75 mg daily maintenance dose) and esomeprazole (40 mg p.o. daily) resulting in decreased exposure to the active metabolite of clopidogrel by an average of 40%, and resulting in decreased maximum inhibition of (ADP induced) platelet aggregation by an average of 14%.
It is, however, uncertain to what extent this interaction is clinically important. One prospective, randomized (but incomplete) study (in over 3760 patients comparing placebo with omeprazole 20 mg in patients treated with clopidogrel and ASA) and non-randomized, post-hoc analyses of data from large, prospective, randomized clinical outcome studies (in over 47000 patients) did not show any evidence of an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcome when clopidogrel and PPIs, including esomeprazole, were given concomitantly.
Results from a number of observational studies are inconsistent with regard to increased risk or no increased risk for CV thromboembolic events when clopidogrel is given together with a PPI.
When clopidogrel was given together with a fixed dose combination of esomeprazole 20 mg + ASA 81 mg compared to clopidogrel alone in a study in healthy subjects there was a decreased exposure by almost 40% of the active metabolite of clopidogrel. However, the maximum levels of inhibition of (ADP induced) platelet aggregation in these subjects were the same in the clopidogrel and the clopidogrel + the combined (esomeprazole + ASA) product groups, likely due to the concomitant administration of low dose ASA.
Omeprazole as well as esomeprazole act as inhibitors of CYP 2C19. Omeprazole, given in doses of 40 mg to healthy subjects in a cross-over study, increased C_max and AUC for cilostazol by 18% and 26% respectively, and one of its active metabolites by 29% and 69% respectively.
In healthy volunteers, concomitant administration of 40 mg esomeprazole resulted in a 32% increase in area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and a 31% prolongation of elimination half-life (t_½) but no significant increase in peak plasma levels of cisapride. The slightly prolonged QTc interval observed after administration of cisapride alone, was not further prolonged when cisapride was given in combination with esomperazole (see Precautions).
Concomitant administration of esomeprazole has been reported to increase the serum levels of tacrolimus.
When given together with proton pump inhibitors, methotrexate levels have been reported to increase in some patients. In high-dose methotrexate administration a temporary withdrawal of esomeprazole may need to be considered.
Omeprazole has been reported to interact with some antiretroviral drugs. The clinical importance and the mechanisms behind these reported interactions are not always known. Increased gastric pH during omeprazole treatment may change the absorption of the antiretroviral drug. Other possible interaction mechanisms are via CYP 2C19. For some antiretroviral drugs, such as atazanavir and nelfinavir, decreased serum levels have been reported when given together with omeprazole and concomitant administration is not recommended. For other antiretroviral drugs, such as saquinavir, increased serum levels have been reported. There are also some antiretroviral drugs for which unchanged serum levels have been reported when given with omeprazole. Due to the similar pharmacodynamic effects and pharmacokinetic properties of omeprazole and esomeprazole, concomitant administration with esomeprazole and antiretroviral drugs such as atazanavir and nelfinavir is not recommended.
Esomeprazole has been shown to have no clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin, or quinidine.
Studies evaluating concomitant administration of esomeprazole and either naproxen (non-selective NSAID) or rofecoxib (COX-2-selective NSAID) did not identify any clinically relevant interaction.
Effects of other drugs on the pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole: Esomeprazole is metabolised by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. Concomitant administration of esomeprazole and a CYP3A4 inhibitor, clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.), resulted in a doubling of the exposure (AUC) to esomeprazole. Concomitant administration of esomeprazole and a combined inhibitor of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, such as voriconazole, may result in more than doubling of the esomeprazole exposure. The CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitor voriconazole increased omeprazole AUC_τ by 280%. A dose adjustment of esomeprazole is not regularly required in either of these situations. However, dose adjustment of esomeprazole should be considered in patients with severe hepatic impairment and if long-term treatment is indicated. However, dose adjustment of esomeprazole is not required in either of these situations.
Drugs known to induce CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 or both (such as rifampicin and St. John's wort) may lead to decreased esomeprazole serum levels by increasing the esomeprazole metabolism.

Incompatibilities: Not applicable.
Instructions for use and handling: Administration through gastric tube: 1. Put the tablet into an appropriate syringe and fill the syringe with approximately 25 mL water and approximately 5 mL air. For some tubes, dispersion in 50 mL water is needed to prevent the pellets from clogging the tube.
2. Immediately shake the syringe for approximately 2 minutes to disperse the tablet.
3. Hold the syringe with the tip up and check that the tip has not clogged.
4. Attach the syringe to the tube whilst maintaining the previously mentioned position.
5. Shake the syringe and position it with the tip pointing down. Immediately inject 5-10 mL into the tube. Invert the syringe after injection and shake (the syringe must be held with the tip pointing up to avoid clogging of the tip).
6. Turn the syringe with the tip down and immediately inject another 5-10 mL into the tube. Repeat this procedure until the syringe is empty.
7. Fill the syringe with 25 mL of water and 5 mL of air and repeat step 5 if necessary to wash down any sediment left in the syringe. For some tubes, 50 mL water is needed.

Store in the original package. Do not store above 30°C.

Antacids, Antireflux Agents & Antiulcerants

A02BC05 - esomeprazole ; Belongs to the class of proton pump inhibitors. Used in the treatment of peptic ulcer and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

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